The authorities in Rumbek Central County of Lakes State have detained an ox and its owner, Mamal Makuek after the animal killed a 12-year-old boy identified as Maluer Mabor in Matangai Payam on Thursday.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, the commissioner of Rumbek Central County, Dut Manak Banok, said ordered the arrests of the ox and its owner after the animal knocked the boy dead.
“It is me who ordered the capture of the bull and its owner following the killing of 12-year-old Maluer Mabor in Adol-manyiel village and the,” he said. “Now the investigation is ongoing and possibly they will be transferred to court for trial.”
According to the commissioner, if both sides mutually reach an agreement for blood compensation, then the matter will not reach court. He said this is a normal occurrence in the pastoralist communities and traditionally there are ways such issues are handled.
Bishop Joseph Maker Atot of the Episcopal Church’s Pacong Diocese said there is a curse in Rumbek due to some wrongdoings and it needs special prayers.
“There is a curse and this needs us to be careful with the animals and also have prayers,” he said. “There will be general prayers for the whole of Lakes State on 8 June, Wednesday next week, and all these curses are going to be included in prayers for almighty God to forgive us for the wrongdoing and practices.”
For his part, a veterinary officer in Lakes State, Marial Ajuong, urged cattle owners to be gentle with their animals, especially the ones used for plowing.
“There is no need to beat an ox too much during cultivation. Train it to be peaceful and not violent to people, Do not teach a peaceful animal to be furious and violent,” he cautioned.
Last month, a ram killed a 45-year-old woman identified as Adhieu Chaping in Akualyol village of Rumbek East County.